What is a Community Health Center?

Community health centers, like Unity Care NW, care for millions of people across the United States. But what does that really mean for you?

A female provider in blue scrubs listens to the chest of a young female patient through a stethoscope

A community health center is a place where everyone is welcome, no matter their income, background, or insurance status. We provide medical, dental, behavioral health, and other services all in one place, so you can get the care you need without extra stress.

Many of our patients use Medicaid, and many have no insurance at all. Community health centers are here for you either way. In fact, most patients we serve have low incomes, and many are raising families, living in rural areas, or facing housing challenges. You are not alone — and you belong here.

At a community health center, you’re not just cared for — you’re cared about. Care starts with listening. We take the time to get to know you: your life, your needs, and your goals. We build our care around what matters to you.

This kind of care is about more than treating an illness or one moment in time. We help you stay healthy with vaccines and regular checkups, support you in managing long-term conditions like diabetes or depression, and connect you with services that make life a little easier. Our teams live and work in the same community you do, so the care you receive feels familiar and personal.

Unity Care NW is proud to be part of this national movement of community health centers — a movement rooted in every neighborhood we serve. Together, we are making health care easier to reach and building a healthier future for everyone in Whatcom County.

We’re here for you. We’re here with you. We’re building care with you.